Character StudiesWitches: From the passages of Macbeth Act I, Scene III, we can determine that all three witches contain unique, special power to see the future. In addition, the witches have different daily routines where the second witch killed swine while the third witch had a scheme to avenge upon a sailor whose wife rejected to share her chestnut. This meant that their personalities are bitter and takes pleasure in the other people to suffer in deep pain. Despite their personalities, all three witches have very similar physical appearances just like the men. For example, the have beards which Macbeth wondered if they are women. Not only they have beards, they also have thin lips and wears ragged clothing. Macbeth: In MacbethAct I Scene III, Macbeth is currently remembered as the thane of Glamis. Soon, he came into the throne as the thane of Cawdor, and the witches declared that Macbeth would be king of Scotland. Through his leadership, modest behavior, and compassionate to the nation, we can predict that he has what it takes to become a king. In addition as soon as Macbeth hears his prediction on his future, he constantly remained quiet and began to disbelieve the fact that he will one day be a king of Scotland. This meant that Macbeth is not ready to take the throne of a very high anarchy. Even though he is very proud of what he will accomplish in the future, he doubts himself that it is too much of what he could handle.
Banquo:In Macbeth Act I Scene III suggested that Banquo is quite an aggressive and impertinent character. Banquo is very self-fish and wants what is more than what he has. When the witches predicted Banquo’s future, he thought that he desires more than what the witches had predicted. As the witches told Macbeth that he would later become a king of Scotland, Banquo began to have some jealousy. He believes that since Macbeth deserved an unexpected gift, therefore he should also receive same as Macbeth’s.
Ross: From only Act I Scene III, Ross is not clearly described or mentioned as other major character. On the other hand, we can notice that Ross is a messenger, who delivers any reports or notices to the king. Through delivering messages to the king, we can clear see that Ross is very reliable and dependable character.
Angus: Similar to Ross, Angus does not have any speaking part, but we can view that he attended to care about his life. Angus implies that he dislike people who rebels. In this section, there are no adequate information to see more about his characteristics.
Major Plot: -Macbeth and Banquo meet with the witches and the witches predicts their future.
-Macbeth’s future is to become a king of Scotland while Banquo’s future was that his children would be kings.
-Macbeth thinks that to be a king of Scotland is too much.
-Banquo is very disconnected with his future.
-Macbeth and Banquo is amazed that witches’ prediction came true.
Conflict: -Due to Banquo’s jealousy, there will be conflict between Banquo and Macbeth.
-After Macbeth becomes the king of Scotland, there will be conflict with Banquo
-Almost at the end of Macbeth’s reign there will be conflict over the position of the throne, whether it would be Banquo’sor Macbeth’s children.
Assignment 2: Macbeth Reflection 1.5 and 1.6
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
In these scenes we can learn about Lady Macbeth that she wants to achieve the prophecy that the witches had given to Macbeth.
(1.5.40) How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth might answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” by saying what Machiavelli stated, “The end justifies the mean” which meant that Lady Macbeth believed that killing Duncan will be inevitable because Macbeth will be a king anyway.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty.” I have selected this quote because it infers how evil Lady Macbeth is in wanting to achieve Macbeth’s prophecy. (1.5.41-44)
“Look like th’ innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” This quote mentioned that don’t let Duncan know that he will be killed and act friendly until the time has come. (1.5.67-68)
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
“The raven himself is hoarse” The raven in this context is speaking about the messenger that Macbeth had told Lady Macbeth that king is coming. Denotation of raven is a bird that can be use to send messages during Shakespearean Era. However the connotation refers the word “raven” as a messenger. (1.5.39) Assignment 3: Macbeth Reflection 1.7
“Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?”
Macbeth wanted to show to Lady Macbeth that he is man, which he will never backs down to a promise that he made to kill Duncan. (1.7.46-50)
He knew that there would be a scapegoat to blame the chamberlains while Duncan falls asleep. Lady Macbeth convinced Macbeth that she will get the two servants drunk and after the assassination the two chamberlains will be accused for murder. (1.7.60-72) Macbeth Reflection 1.7 Class Discussion
I think that Macbeth was too persuaded by his wife. Also, Macbeth wanted to get over this problem by either killing the King or not killing the King. In addition, as Lady Macbeth was convincing Macbeth, he was afraid and he was seriously changed after the conversation. One thing that Lady Macbeth said that changed Macbeth's perspective was that he was not a man. Therefore, Macbeth was offended and maybe he wanted to assassinate the King to prove that he is a true man. In addition, Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan because of the witches. If the witched did not reveal that Macbeth was going to be the next king, Macbeth probably just got over it. However, when the witches told that Macbeth was going to be the king, he decided to be the King by killing King Duncan. Most importantly, Macbeth was not able to control his own ambition toward the action. Even though in the first part of Macbeth quote in Act 1 scene 7 Macbeth said that he is only having the ambition, he had changed to have more ambition because of his wife. Moreover, Macbeth was very convinced to kill the King sooner than later by Lady Macbeth. Assignment 4: Macbeth Reflection Act 2
How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
Macbeth had regretted what he has done to Duncan. He would not even go back into the room to put back the dagger with which he used to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth had to put the dagger into the room and wiped the blood on the servants (2.2.48-50). Macbeth’s conscience had gone against him after he had committed crime unlike how before his conscience was clear and ambitious (2.2.54-60,71). Upon the discovery by king’s death by Macduff, Macbeth pretended to feel sorrow for the king. He was able to convince the others of his innocent (2.3.86-90). How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Lady Macbeth was content about the murder of the king because her plan had succeeded. Lady Macbeth believed that Macbeth is a coward because he regretted his actions. Lady Macbeth even had to put back the dagger herself. (2.2.42-48, 51-55) She feels no sympathy over the death of Duncan. Once everyone realized the king was dead, Lady Macbeth no longer wanted to be there, and she wanted to run away from her problem. (2.3.114) Assignment 5: Macbeth Reflection Act 3 and 4
Act 3 Scene 5:
Hecate, the leader of the witches, is very discontented about the prophecy that the witches had told Macbeth without her permission; Hecate is willing to plan a scheme, an illusion, on Macbeth saying that he does not deserve to be a king.
Act 3 Scene 6:
Lennox and the lord are discussing the problem in Scotland: Donalbain, Duncan’s youngest son, is trying to have alliance with England, while Macduff is trying to overthrow Macbeth from the throne due to his lack of kingship.
What suspicions does the Lord have about Macbeth?
The Lord suspects that since Macbeth has become uncontrollable insane he is preparing for the war.
Act 4 Scene 1: What does Macbeth want in this scene?
In Act 4 Scene 1, Macbeth wants to know his future and the awareness. After the prophecy was told, Macbeth decided to have an assault on Macduff.
What stands in his way?
Through the witches’ illusion, Macduff and Banquo’s descendants were standing in his way.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way?
Macbeth attempt to overcome the obstacles in his way by killing Macduff and his family. In order to kill Macduff and his family, he will attack Macduff’s castle and seize town of Fife.
What do the Witches want in this scene?
Since Hecate has ordered the Witches to punish Macbeth severely, they began to provoke Macbeth with apparitions of Banquo and his descendants. Since the Witches knew that Macbeth trust the prophecy, they began to tell Macbeth more. Mainly, the Witches want Macbeth to fulfill the prophecy no matter what it takes to be in the throne.
Assignment 6
How has Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
In the beginning of the play Macbeth was a brave soldier and was confident in himself. As the story transgressed, Macbeth became uncontrollably evil, but had remorse because of the horrific deeds he had executed. He was haunted by his conscience throughout the nights and plagued by the people throughout the days. However, by the end of the story, Macbeth no longer had a guilty conscience and was neither afraid of the nights nor of people. He believed he was invincible and was no longer afraid of death, even though he yearned for it.
Textual Evidence #1
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf,
And that which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have, but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not.
Seyton!(5.3.22-29) - Macbeth
Explanation #1
Macbeth realized that he has lived long enough and he no longer wants to live. Most people as they grow older have more honor, love, obedience, and companions. However, he no longer had honor because he had murdered King Duncan, Banquo, and many others. He also no longer had love because Lady Macbeth had gone crazy and will commit suicide. In addition, he neither has obedience nor companions because his armies and friends have betrayed him and joined Malcolm’s army. The remaining people with Macbeth also no longer support him with their hearts and minds, but only in their words. Lastly, Macbeth is finally ready to die just not by his own hand.
Textual Evidence #2
I have almost forgot the taste of fears.
The time has been my sense would have cooled
To hear a night-shriek, and my feel of hair
Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
As life were in ‘t. I have supped full with horrors.
Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts
Cannot once start me.(5.5.9-15) – Macbeth
Explanation #2
Macbeth has had so much horror throughout the story haunt him, that he no longer fears anything. He used to be terrified during the nights and was unable to sleep, but now he has seen so many ghastly things that it no longer fazes him. Therefore, things that used to make Macbeth scared and anxious have no effect upon his psyche anymore. Assignment 7
What is the main idea of the story?
The main idea of the story is to demonstrate how people can turn good from evil through greed. Macbeth had become an evil and emotionless king through the power of greed. For example, Macbeth was blinded by the greed that he no longer feels sympathy for his lover’s death, Lady Macbeth. He says, “She should have died hereafter; there would have been a time for such a word… It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (5.5.17-18,26-28). Macbeth did not care for his wife and there would have been different ways of being killed. Therefore, Lady Macbeth’s death symbolized nothing but a foolish story.
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
The characters that we can definitely learn from are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth continuously killed people who were stopping him from his throne. After the killing of Duncan, Macbeth has been uncontrollable insane and greed for his safety of his throne. From this, we can learn that it is very essential to have self-control and to make a wise decision. In addition, in the beginning Lady Macbeth was more determined to kill Duncan. Eventually, this created a deep feeling of guilt. We can learn from her actions that greedy will end up in a remorseful situation. Therefore, during the night, Lady Macbeth felt guilty of her action of killing Duncan, which the blood stained on her hands. (5.1.35-40) Through her persuasion of murdering Duncan, not only Macbeth was suffering but also Lady Macbeth had to suffer for what she had done.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Consistent murdering and greediness and also mental breakdowns are shown repeatedly throughout the play. The horrible deed of killing by Macbeth occurs consonantly from Duncan to Macduff's family. In addition, I see a lot of greed and wickedness whenever Macbeth mentions about protecting his throne and how he carefully listens to the prophecies. A final one is how the characters change towards the dead. The first one was Macbeth after he had killed Duncan and began hearing voices. The second one was Lady Macbeth with the sleepwalking and the bloodstain on her hand. These two items illustrate important themes throughout the play.
Macbeth Reflections
Assignment 1: Macbeth Reflection 1.3
Character StudiesWitches: From the passages of Macbeth Act I, Scene III, we can determine that all three witches contain unique, special power to see the future. In addition, the witches have different daily routines where the second witch killed swine while the third witch had a scheme to avenge upon a sailor whose wife rejected to share her chestnut. This meant that their personalities are bitter and takes pleasure in the other people to suffer in deep pain. Despite their personalities, all three witches have very similar physical appearances just like the men. For example, the have beards which Macbeth wondered if they are women. Not only they have beards, they also have thin lips and wears ragged clothing.
Macbeth: In Macbeth Act I Scene III, Macbeth is currently remembered as the thane of Glamis. Soon, he came into the throne as the thane of Cawdor, and the witches declared that Macbeth would be king of Scotland. Through his leadership, modest behavior, and compassionate to the nation, we can predict that he has what it takes to become a king. In addition as soon as Macbeth hears his prediction on his future, he constantly remained quiet and began to disbelieve the fact that he will one day be a king of Scotland. This meant that Macbeth is not ready to take the throne of a very high anarchy. Even though he is very proud of what he will accomplish in the future, he doubts himself that it is too much of what he could handle.
Banquo: In Macbeth Act I Scene III suggested that Banquo is quite an aggressive and impertinent character. Banquo is very self-fish and wants what is more than what he has. When the witches predicted Banquo’s future, he thought that he desires more than what the witches had predicted. As the witches told Macbeth that he would later become a king of Scotland, Banquo began to have some jealousy. He believes that since Macbeth deserved an unexpected gift, therefore he should also receive same as Macbeth’s.
Ross: From only Act I Scene III, Ross is not clearly described or mentioned as other major character. On the other hand, we can notice that Ross is a messenger, who delivers any reports or notices to the king. Through delivering messages to the king, we can clear see that Ross is very reliable and dependable character.
Angus: Similar to Ross, Angus does not have any speaking part, but we can view that he attended to care about his life. Angus implies that he dislike people who rebels. In this section, there are no adequate information to see more about his characteristics.
Major Plot:
-Macbeth and Banquo meet with the witches and the witches predicts their future.
-Macbeth’s future is to become a king of Scotland while Banquo’s future was that his children would be kings.
-Macbeth thinks that to be a king of Scotland is too much.
-Banquo is very disconnected with his future.
-Macbeth and Banquo is amazed that witches’ prediction came true.
Conflict:
-Due to Banquo’s jealousy, there will be conflict between Banquo and Macbeth.
-After Macbeth becomes the king of Scotland, there will be conflict with Banquo
-Almost at the end of Macbeth’s reign there will be conflict over the position of the throne, whether it would be Banquo’s or Macbeth’s children.
Assignment 2: Macbeth Reflection 1.5 and 1.6
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
In these scenes we can learn about Lady Macbeth that she wants to achieve the prophecy that the witches had given to Macbeth.
(1.5.40)
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth might answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” by saying what Machiavelli stated, “The end justifies the mean” which meant that Lady Macbeth believed that killing Duncan will be inevitable because Macbeth will be a king anyway.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty.” I have selected this quote because it infers how evil Lady Macbeth is in wanting to achieve Macbeth’s prophecy. (1.5.41-44)
“Look like th’ innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” This quote mentioned that don’t let Duncan know that he will be killed and act friendly until the time has come. (1.5.67-68)
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
“The raven himself is hoarse” The raven in this context is speaking about the messenger that Macbeth had told Lady Macbeth that king is coming. Denotation of raven is a bird that can be use to send messages during Shakespearean Era. However the connotation refers the word “raven” as a messenger. (1.5.39)
Assignment 3: Macbeth Reflection 1.7
“Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?”
Macbeth wanted to show to Lady Macbeth that he is man, which he will never backs down to a promise that he made to kill Duncan. (1.7.46-50)
He knew that there would be a scapegoat to blame the chamberlains while Duncan falls asleep. Lady Macbeth convinced Macbeth that she will get the two servants drunk and after the assassination the two chamberlains will be accused for murder. (1.7.60-72)
Macbeth Reflection 1.7 Class Discussion
I think that Macbeth was too persuaded by his wife. Also, Macbeth wanted to get over this problem by either killing the King or not killing the King. In addition, as Lady Macbeth was convincing Macbeth, he was afraid and he was seriously changed after the conversation. One thing that Lady Macbeth said that changed Macbeth's perspective was that he was not a man. Therefore, Macbeth was offended and maybe he wanted to assassinate the King to prove that he is a true man. In addition, Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan because of the witches. If the witched did not reveal that Macbeth was going to be the next king, Macbeth probably just got over it. However, when the witches told that Macbeth was going to be the king, he decided to be the King by killing King Duncan. Most importantly, Macbeth was not able to control his own ambition toward the action. Even though in the first part of Macbeth quote in Act 1 scene 7 Macbeth said that he is only having the ambition, he had changed to have more ambition because of his wife. Moreover, Macbeth was very convinced to kill the King sooner than later by Lady Macbeth.
Assignment 4: Macbeth Reflection Act 2
How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
Macbeth had regretted what he has done to Duncan. He would not even go back into the room to put back the dagger with which he used to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth had to put the dagger into the room and wiped the blood on the servants (2.2.48-50). Macbeth’s conscience had gone against him after he had committed crime unlike how before his conscience was clear and ambitious (2.2.54-60,71). Upon the discovery by king’s death by Macduff, Macbeth pretended to feel sorrow for the king. He was able to convince the others of his innocent (2.3.86-90).
How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Lady Macbeth was content about the murder of the king because her plan had succeeded. Lady Macbeth believed that Macbeth is a coward because he regretted his actions. Lady Macbeth even had to put back the dagger herself. (2.2.42-48, 51-55) She feels no sympathy over the death of Duncan. Once everyone realized the king was dead, Lady Macbeth no longer wanted to be there, and she wanted to run away from her problem. (2.3.114)
Assignment 5: Macbeth Reflection Act 3 and 4
Act 3 Scene 5:
Hecate, the leader of the witches, is very discontented about the prophecy that the witches had told Macbeth without her permission; Hecate is willing to plan a scheme, an illusion, on Macbeth saying that he does not deserve to be a king.
Act 3 Scene 6:
Lennox and the lord are discussing the problem in Scotland: Donalbain, Duncan’s youngest son, is trying to have alliance with England, while Macduff is trying to overthrow Macbeth from the throne due to his lack of kingship.
What suspicions does the Lord have about Macbeth?
The Lord suspects that since Macbeth has become uncontrollable insane he is preparing for the war.
Act 4 Scene 1:
What does Macbeth want in this scene?
In Act 4 Scene 1, Macbeth wants to know his future and the awareness. After the prophecy was told, Macbeth decided to have an assault on Macduff.
What stands in his way?
Through the witches’ illusion, Macduff and Banquo’s descendants were standing in his way.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way?
Macbeth attempt to overcome the obstacles in his way by killing Macduff and his family. In order to kill Macduff and his family, he will attack Macduff’s castle and seize town of Fife.
What do the Witches want in this scene?
Since Hecate has ordered the Witches to punish Macbeth severely, they began to provoke Macbeth with apparitions of Banquo and his descendants. Since the Witches knew that Macbeth trust the prophecy, they began to tell Macbeth more. Mainly, the Witches want Macbeth to fulfill the prophecy no matter what it takes to be in the throne.
Assignment 6
How has Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
In the beginning of the play Macbeth was a brave soldier and was confident in himself. As the story transgressed, Macbeth became uncontrollably evil, but had remorse because of the horrific deeds he had executed. He was haunted by his conscience throughout the nights and plagued by the people throughout the days. However, by the end of the story, Macbeth no longer had a guilty conscience and was neither afraid of the nights nor of people. He believed he was invincible and was no longer afraid of death, even though he yearned for it.
Textual Evidence #1
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf,
And that which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have, but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not.
Seyton! (5.3.22-29) - Macbeth
Explanation #1
Macbeth realized that he has lived long enough and he no longer wants to live. Most people as they grow older have more honor, love, obedience, and companions. However, he no longer had honor because he had murdered King Duncan, Banquo, and many others. He also no longer had love because Lady Macbeth had gone crazy and will commit suicide. In addition, he neither has obedience nor companions because his armies and friends have betrayed him and joined Malcolm’s army. The remaining people with Macbeth also no longer support him with their hearts and minds, but only in their words. Lastly, Macbeth is finally ready to die just not by his own hand.
Textual Evidence #2
I have almost forgot the taste of fears.
The time has been my sense would have cooled
To hear a night-shriek, and my feel of hair
Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
As life were in ‘t. I have supped full with horrors.
Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts
Cannot once start me. (5.5.9-15) – Macbeth
Explanation #2
Macbeth has had so much horror throughout the story haunt him, that he no longer fears anything. He used to be terrified during the nights and was unable to sleep, but now he has seen so many ghastly things that it no longer fazes him. Therefore, things that used to make Macbeth scared and anxious have no effect upon his psyche anymore.
Assignment 7
What is the main idea of the story?
The main idea of the story is to demonstrate how people can turn good from evil through greed. Macbeth had become an evil and emotionless king through the power of greed. For example, Macbeth was blinded by the greed that he no longer feels sympathy for his lover’s death, Lady Macbeth. He says, “She should have died hereafter; there would have been a time for such a word… It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (5.5.17-18,26-28). Macbeth did not care for his wife and there would have been different ways of being killed. Therefore, Lady Macbeth’s death symbolized nothing but a foolish story.
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
The characters that we can definitely learn from are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth continuously killed people who were stopping him from his throne. After the killing of Duncan, Macbeth has been uncontrollable insane and greed for his safety of his throne. From this, we can learn that it is very essential to have self-control and to make a wise decision. In addition, in the beginning Lady Macbeth was more determined to kill Duncan. Eventually, this created a deep feeling of guilt. We can learn from her actions that greedy will end up in a remorseful situation. Therefore, during the night, Lady Macbeth felt guilty of her action of killing Duncan, which the blood stained on her hands. (5.1.35-40) Through her persuasion of murdering Duncan, not only Macbeth was suffering but also Lady Macbeth had to suffer for what she had done.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Consistent murdering and greediness and also mental breakdowns are shown repeatedly throughout the play. The horrible deed of killing by Macbeth occurs consonantly from Duncan to Macduff's family. In addition, I see a lot of greed and wickedness whenever Macbeth mentions about protecting his throne and how he carefully listens to the prophecies. A final one is how the characters change towards the dead. The first one was Macbeth after he had killed Duncan and began hearing voices. The second one was Lady Macbeth with the sleepwalking and the bloodstain on her hand. These two items illustrate important themes throughout the play.